From Good Teaching: one size fits all?  (Quotes that follow are from this pdf file)

"A perspective on teaching is an inter-related set of beliefs and intentions that gives direction and justification to our actions.  It is a lens through which we view teaching and learning.  We may not be aware of our perspective because it is something we look through, rather than look at, when teaching."

Think about your perspective of teaching. Do you have a commitment to your subject matter? Do you encourage and model complex reasoning and problem solving?  Do you ask your students to work on applying their knowledge? Perhaps your perspective seeks to have students work toward a particular set of ideals.

"Perspectives are neither good nor bad.  They are simply philosophical orientations to knowledge, learning, and the role and responsibility of being a teacher."

"...each perspective represents a legitimate view of teaching when enacted appropriately."

What 'should' we reflect upon? How can we identify our values and our assumptions? To grow in our skills and to best serve our students we need to look not only at our teaching content but also the lenses through which we view our teaching.  Reflection allows us to see what is not always self-evident. 

Watch the following video to find out how and why some faculty throughout the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system use reflection to improve their teaching.

As you reflect, remember to respect and have faith in yourself and to trust the process.  Reflection is just that, a process.  Uncertainty is necessary for change to occur. Allowing yourself the time to reflect is a gift to give to yourself.  You might not arrive at answers, but will open yourself up to more questions.  This, in turn, will encourage you to continue the reflective process. (Taken, in part, from Writing as a Reflective Practitioner with Wisdom by Gillie Bolton)

Here are some questions to ponder:

How can I start a reflective journal?

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